Backpacker Magazine – February 2008

Camp Stove Cooking: Curry in a Hurry

4 easy recipes that will warm your whole body.

by: Kelly Bastone, Photos by Justin Bailie

Fiery curries can add more than exotic tastes to your next meal. That's because turmeric, a common mustardlike spice, reduces inflammation to ease post-hike aches. Eat well and feel better with these simple recipes.

Fiery curries can add more than exotic tastes to your next meal. That's because turmeric, a common mustardlike spice, reduces inflammation to ease post-hike aches. Eat well and feel better with these simple recipes.

Masman Curry
Lemongrass and peanuts accent this creamy Thai dish.

1 tablespoon Masman curry paste (contains lemongrass, garlic, cumin)
1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1/2 medium onion, peeled
1 1.75-oz. pouch powdered coconut cream (or 1 cup canned coconut milk)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/3 cup crushed peanuts
1 7-oz. pouch pre-cooked chicken breast; vegetarian option: 1 14-oz. can chickpeas
1 4-oz. pouch instant mashed potatoes
Note: Find powdered coconut cream at Asian or Indian groceries.

At Home
Combine brown sugar and crushed peanuts in a zip-top bag. Transfer chickpeas in separate zip-top bag.

In Camp
Prepare potatoes according to the package directions; then set aside. Thinly slice onion. In a separate pot, combine curry, coconut powder, and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Add carrots and onion and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add sugar, nuts, and chicken (or chickpeas), and cook until sugar is dissolved and everything is hot. Spread over potatoes. Serves 2.

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